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A Catholic perspective on organ sales.
1Department of Philosophy, University of Tulsa, 600 South College Avenue, Tulsa, Oklahoma, 74104-3189, USA.
Christian Bioethics
|August 13, 2002
Summary
This article explores the morality of human organ sales through Christian bioethics, specifically Roman Catholicism. It concludes that participating in organ markets is morally permissible and potentially beneficial public policy.
Area of Science:
- Christian Bioethics
- Moral Theology
- Medical Ethics
Background:
- The ethical debate surrounding human organ sales often relies on procedural norms.
- A comprehensive moral analysis requires substantive norms from specific theological perspectives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the moral implications of a human organ market within Christian bioethics.
- To argue for the necessity of substantive moral norms in ethical decision-making.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of Roman Catholic moral and theological teachings.
- Examination of papal encyclicals, particularly from Pius XII and John Paul II.
Main Results:
- Procedural norms alone are insufficient for addressing complex ethical issues like organ sales.
- Roman Catholic substantive norms provide a framework for evaluating organ markets.
Conclusions:
- Participation in a human organ market is morally permissible for Roman Catholics.
- A regulated organ market could be considered prudent public policy.